TPB Supports Film Tourism with "Cine Turismo"

(TPB), The Tourism Promotions Board an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to give recognition to 8 Filipino-made and two foreign movies that have showcased the beauty of the Philippines and have helped promote Philippine tourism through a film.

To serve as one the launch activities of Cine Turismo, a new campaign spearheaded by TPB under Chief Operating Officer Cesar Montano, the recognition will be given to honor Filipino directors and their films that were shown in 2016 and 2017.

“Film tourism is a steadily growing industry in the country,” says Cesar Montano, Chief Operating Officer of the TPB. “The project is created to acknowledge the many films and filmmakers that, through their wonderful portrayals of the Philippines, have aroused interest and boosted tourism in local tourist spots.”

This is a timely move the by Tourism Promotions Board in light of the pending Film Tourism Bill (SB 1330) sponsored by Sen. Grace Poe and introduced by Sen. Sonny Angara, which recognized the “Potential of international and local motion picture production to create jobs, grow the economy and raise the nation’s international profile” and seeks to offer incentives to production companies who choose to showcase the Philippine destinations and the nation’s historical and cultural heritage, or champion Filipino film practitioners and artists in foreign productions.

Films to be honored are the following:

Sakaling Hindi Makarating

Directed by Ice Idanan and shot in Ilocos, Siquijor, Batanes, and Zamboanga.

Lakbay2Love

Directed by Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil which showcases Timberland Heights and Benguet.

Camp Sawi

Directed by Irene Villamor, set in Bantayan Island.

Patay na si Hesus

Directed by Victor Villanueva, featuring a road trip to Cebu

Apocalypse Child

Directed by Mario Cornejo’s set in Baler;

Siargao

Directed by Paul Soriano, which showcases the island of the Siargao

Requited

Directed by Nerissa Picadizo, that features Mt. Pinatubo;

and Kiko Boksingero

Directed by Thop Nazareno and is filmed in Baguio.

Honorees have been chosen based on the following criteria:

Is made by a Filipino production house

A full-length film (minimum of 75 minutes)

Commercially release within the last two years

Was shown in the Philippines or at international film festivals

Showcases the destination extensively or must be a setting for the majority of the scenes

Portrays the country in a positive manner, provides a general awareness of the locale and has created a positive impact on the community ad perception of its people.

Has promoted and preserved culture and heritage and reflects the country’s history; enriches Filipino values and traits such as resilience, the Bayanihan spirit, hospitality, and patriotism;

Has inspired and excited the viewer to visit the country, and must have induced travel among moviegoers; and

Has generated revenues and create jobs in their locations, as well as new trade and businesses.

Special citations will also be given to South Korean films Mango Tree, directed by Lee Soo-Sung and shot in Cebu, and Romantic Island directed my Cheol-Woo Kang and shot in Boracay.